The senatorial candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide Odidiomo, has declared that his participation in politics is driven by service to the people and not the use of money to buy votes.
Olajide stated this on sunday while worshipping with members of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Army Barracks’ Road, Mokola, Ibadan, Oyo south Regional Headquarters, during the church’s Family Thanksgiving Day held after the Adult Harvest celebrated the previous week.
Hon. Olajide Odidiomo, who described his presence at the church as a homecoming, said his relationship with the church and the community had reinforced his belief that political leadership should be about service, responsibility and tangible impact on the lives of the people.
Speaking on his vision for the people of Oyo south senatorial district and the state at large, Odidiomo said he would continue to focus on quality education, technology and youth empowerment.
He disclosed that a technology project valued at about ₦1.2 billion, involving the establishment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hubs in selected secondary schools, had been completed and was ready for commissioning.
According to him, the initiative was conceived to expose young people to digital opportunities and equip them with the skills required to compete in an increasingly technology driven global economy.
The federal lawmaker currently representing Ibadan North-west/Ibadan South-west federal constituency of Oyo state in the House of Representatives, said he did not subscribe to the practice of using financial inducements to secure political support, stressing that sustainable development required investing in people rather than merely distributing money during election periods. “I do not believe in using money to buy votes.
I believe in investing in people and creating opportunities,” he said, adding that the capacity of young people must be deliberately developed if the country would have credible and accountable leaders in the future.
He maintained that empowering citizens with education, technology and relevant skills remained a more sustainable form of political intervention than short term financial gestures.
Hon. Olajide Odidiomo reiterated his commitment to what he described as a politics of impact, empowerment and sustainable development, reiterating that public office should be used to create opportunities and improve the quality of life of the people.
He said his engagement with the church was particularly significant because, beyond politics, he regarded the congregation and the community as part of his home.
The APM candidate also demonstrated his support for the church community with financial contributions towards ongoing church projects.
He announced a donation of 10 million naira towards the development of the church, with 5 million naira earmarked for the women and another 5 million naira for the youth.
The gesture, according to him, was part of his commitment to supporting institutions and community structures that contribute to the development and wellbeing of the people.
The thanksgiving service was attended by members of the church and other stakeholders, with the church leadership including the Shepherd, Assistant Most Superior Evangelist J.O. Ayodele, JP, MPIC and the Chairman of the Parochial Committee, Evangelist Bayo Awolusi, Esq.
